Barmer/Jaisalmer, April 19 -- Security agencies have arrested a 29-year-old Rajasthan man in Jaisalmer district accused of masterminding a sleeper cell that orchestrated arson attacks and anti-national activities across multiple states, exposing a network with foreign links and social media coordination, officers said. The accused, Rajuram Godara alias "Syed", was detained on March 24 near the India-Pakistan border in the Bharewala area of Jaisalmer after suspicious movements. Officers familiar with the matter said he acted on instructions from foreign handlers and coordinated operations through encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram. A police headquarters officer said Godara, a resident of Pokhran tehsil in Jaisalmer district, maintained a low profile as a farmer while secretly operating as a digital controller of the sleeper cell network. He allegedly used Telegram to issue instructions to operatives, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, he identified himself as "Syed" to conceal his real identity. Sustained interrogation revealed his true identity. He used fake identities to manage contacts and issue directives across states, an officer said. The case is being investigated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) actively involved. The matter came to light after an arson incident on March 4, 2026, in UP's Bijnor, where a pickup vehicle was set on fire outside a temple in Kiratpur. What initially appeared to be an isolated incident was later found to be part of a coordinated conspiracy, said an officer. Multiple similar incidents were reported in Kiratpur and Nangal Soti police station areas during March and early April. While no casualties occurred, property damage was significant. Authorities believe these attacks aimed to disturb communal harmony. According to an officer, a local accused, Abuzar Shamim, received instructions via Telegram from a handler using the alias "Abu Bakar". The tasks included targeting vehicles of a specific community, recording the act, and sharing videos for payment of Rs.5,000-10,000. Officers said payments were allegedly made through online channels or hawala networks. Forensic examination of Godara's mobile phone uncovered images of weapons, incriminating videos, and chats indicating plans to spread unrest across different parts of the country. Officers believe this is part of a larger, well-organised sleeper cell network. So far, four suspects-Abuzar Shamim, Zaid, Mannan, and Sameer-have been arrested in connection with the case. Sameer was apprehended in Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh. Security agencies have traced links of the network to foreign locations, including Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The network, active since January 2026, reportedly had 15-20 members operating across cities like Lucknow, Mumbai, and Jaisalmer. Authorities said youths were targeted via platforms like Instagram and Facebook before being moved to Telegram groups. Economically weaker and ideologically vulnerable individuals were particularly targeted. Operatives were instructed to identify "soft targets" in their areas using tools like Google Maps and share live locations. Uploading proof of arson was mandatory for receiving payments. Officers warn that this emerging pattern of radicalisation through social media poses a significant security challenge....